Conversing Over the Gap: An Encounter Among Opposing Viewpoints
Introducing the Participants
First Participant: P., 34, London
Profession Former government employee, currently a student focusing on community health
Political history Supported Green recently (also a affiliate of the political group); previously Labour. Identifies as “progressive, and internationalist rather than nationalist”
Amuse bouche A sketch of a tea cup he created as a child was once hung in the National Gallery of Ireland
Other Diner: A., 43, from Harrow
Profession Risk analyst in the construction sector
Voting record Hailing from India, Akshat has lived in the UK for half a decade, and voted the Conservative Party. Describes himself as “slightly right of centre”
Amuse bouche He self-learned to understand Urdu. “It has no practical use for me, I simply found it intriguing”
Initial impressions
The first participant During the past two decades, I’ve lived and worked in Qatar, East Asia, the US. The issues we talked about are focused on Britain, but they are also universal, because people's lives more or less evolve similarly wherever it is. I was expecting a staunch liberal, but Peter wasn’t all gung ho – we engaged in a productive, logical conversation. I had a couple of beers, he opted for mojitos.
The second participant We split starters – seafood rolls, steamed buns, radish cakes with sprouts, which were superb. I was a little nervous, as I believe he was too. Was he going to attack me for being a snowflake? We’re both immigrants. I grew up in Dublin; I have resided in the US and the Iberian Peninsula. We connected through our love of London.
The big beef
Akshat I look at immigration similar to adding salt to a dish. With a small amount, the dish tastes wonderful. Add too little or too much and the meal is either too bland or too salty.
The second participant He used an analogy regarding seasoning. It would be odd to exist if the state was choosing some preferred demographic of the nation.
The first participant There are, sadly, people escaping oppression, but many migrants arriving in the United Kingdom are those seeking better finances who do not necessarily add significant value and can weigh on the benefit system. No one compels you to go to a new country for prospects, so you ought to relocate if you are able to support your own needs and your family.
Peter We became confused with some of the facts. In my view it is the case that you come over and are employed and then following a half-decade you obtain permanent citizenship. Nothing is automatic. The climate has been unwelcoming for some time, application costs are quite expensive, you pay an healthcare levy, eligibility for support is limited. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anybody. And concerning the new policies, whereby you can’t bring your family over, it’s incredible to say: we desire your labor, but we reject you as a person. I believe we must maintain a certain level of compassion.
Sharing plate
Akshat Peter’s sceptical of unchecked capitalism. I am, too, but simultaneously, economic growth helps communities and ought to be promoted.
The second participant We’re both internationalist. And we concurred that some parts of the community – politics, the media – thrive off stoking division. We did find shared understanding in fundamentals and ethics.
Dessert and debate
The first participant Peter believes that since the UK profited from colonial times, it ought to provide reparations to affected nations. I simply think: you cannot judge the past with present day morality; times are different, modern people had no control of what happened decades or a century ago. Let’s say the Britain was obliged to repay the Indian nation, it would be a huge amount of money. Is Britain able to manage that? Certainly not.
The second participant In the past, I don’t think adequate reflection occurred with colonial history. For example, upon my arrival to the UK, the public had little knowledge of the Great Famine and the role that imperial rule contributed to it. My view is decolonization is not merely about issuing payments, it ought to involve examining past errors and our current responsibilities.
Takeaways
The first participant It may not alter the way I think, but I understand his worries. I talk to people every day whose views are opposite to my own. It’s about uniting people to the same page, in order that everyone can strive for the betterment of the community.
Peter We were there for two and a half hours. He enjoyed a sweet treat and I had some sweet Japanese wine. I did not convince him of anything, but we both enjoyed the meal, so we might become more receptive to having conversations with other people in the coming times.
